Rail co releases video of drunk passengers falling on tracks

VIDEO footage showing the moment a man drunkenly falls onto train tracks and underneath a moving carriage has been released as part of a new safety campaign.

The push for greater safety awareness by Network Rail comes after figures revealed 1,600 travellers have been hurt following slips and falls at some of Britain's biggest railway stations.

In the video, an drunk man can also be seen falling on a set of escalators before being dragged up and down them repeatedly, whilst another man attempts to kick a pigeon off the side of track, only to miss and then fall off himself.

The footage is accompanied by slogans such as "the pigeon will always win when you're beer goggled" and "you'll get in a spin if you're pie eyed".

The rail operator said that similar accidents often occur when people lose their balance after nights out consuming alcohol. The video will be uploaded to YouTube and screened in stations and Tubes, alongside posters of wine and beer glasses that appear to be moving in all 17 Network Rail-managed stations across the UK.

British Transport Police Deputy Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: "Somewhat inevitably, drinking alcohol can impair people's judgement and coordination. Encouraging passengers to be more aware of their surroundings, particularly when they have had a drink, and to be alert to the inherent dangers that exist in stations will, we hope, reduce avoidable slips and falls across the network."

Leeds, London Paddington and London Liverpool Street stations have seen the highest number of accidents, including one fatality, 51 bone fractures, 19 dislocations, five concussions and dozens of bruises, cuts and abrasions as people have fallen on steps and escalators, over luggage and even off platforms between trains.

Robin Gisby, Network Rail's Managing Director for Network Operations, said: "We do everything we can to make moving around our stations as easy and safe as possible but our teams deal with far too many people who have injured themselves where it appears alcohol has been a factor.

"We want people to enjoy their evenings and get home safe. The only thing I want to see fall is the number of incidents, so hopefully the campaign will be a gentle reminder for people to take extra care as they travel home through our stations."

No-one featured in the video sustained any permanent injuries, although Network Rail said they "no doubt bruised their pride".